2013 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 1,330 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 95 involved a crash and 31 involved a fire. 68 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 22, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Campaign 23V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesNov 30, 2017
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.
Campaign 17V769000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchAug 2, 2016
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on September 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 146.
Campaign 16V574000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowApr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.
Campaign 13V115000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
271 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Apr 20, 2020
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER PARKED OR DRIVING IT MAKES A CLICK/THUD SOUND UPON THE STEERING WHEEL GOING BACK TO THE CENTER.
Steering, Wheels, Service brakes, Apr 18, 2020
BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP INTERMITTENT WORKING AND BURNING OUT. STEERING WHEEL MAKES CLICKING NOISE. KEEP HAVING TO REPLACE TIRES IN FRONT. EVEN AFTER ALIGNMENT, CAR STILL PULLS. *TR
Steering, Mar 10, 2020
THE STEERING HAS BECOME LOOSE AN KLUNKS WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND FORTH FROM CIENTER POSITION . IT DOES THIS ALL THE TIME WHEATHER MOVING OR STOPPED.
Steering, Feb 25, 2020
THE STEERING COUPLER IN MY 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WENT BAD AROUND 150,000 MILES... NOW THERE'S A CLICKING SOUND AND 'PLAY' IN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAUSE HYUNDAI USED AN INFERIOR PART. ONCE I STARTED RESEARCHING I REALIZED IT'S AN INCREDIBLY COMMON ISSUE THAT THE DEALERSHIP WANTS SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO REPAIR. THIS SHOULD ABSOLUTELY BE REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY (WELL BEYOND THE 100K MARK) SINCE THIS IS NOT PART OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OR ABUSE.
Steering, Feb 9, 2020
STEERING CUPLER MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN TURNING. MY FAMILY MACHINIC STATED THAT THAT THESE CARS HAD A RECALL ON THEM. BUT WHEN CALL DEALERSHIP THEY SAID MY CAR IS NOT PART OF THIS RECALL FOR SAME ISSUE?
Steering, Jan 24, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL POPPING SOUND IN THE STEERING. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MCCONNELL HONDA DEALER, (2840 EASTERN BLVD, MONTGOMERY, AL 36116, (334) 271-2500) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ROUTER CUFF ON THE STEERING WHEEL HAD WORN OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 19,602.
Steering, Jan 16, 2020
WITH LESS THAN 22,000 MILES, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND WHEN TURNED LEFT TO RIGHT WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AS TIME WENT ON. I TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIRS AND FOUND THAT THE COUPLER HAD BEEN SHREDDED. THIS IS A $5 PIECE WHICH COSTS A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS TO HAVE REPLACED BY AN AUTO SHOP. HYUNDAI SHOULD BE REPLACING THESE, INSTEAD OF ITS CUSTOMERS.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 15, 2020
MY ELANTRAS BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON. MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, EPS LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ARE ALWAYS ON AS WELL. I SEE WHERE MY VEHICLE IS SHOWN THAT THE RECALLS HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED ON MY CAR AND I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT IS TRUE OR THIS WOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. MY BRAKES LIGHTS CONSTANTLY BEING ON IS A MAJOR PROBLEM BECAUSE THAT CAN CAUSE CONFUSION ON OTHER DRIVES AND ESPECIALLY WHEN I'M REALLY USING THEM TO SLOW DOWN. I'M ALWAYS HAVING TO CONSTANTLY REPLACE THE LIGHT BULBS ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF MY VEHICLE AS WELL WHICH IS ODD. I'M VERY CONCERNED AND FRUSTRATED AND WISH I WOULD RECEIVE ASSISTANCE IN FIXING THE PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT BEEN IN ANY WRECKS WITH MY VEHICLE EITHER. I ALSO HAD SOMEONE CHECK MY CAR FOR ANY CODES AND VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR CAME UP AS WELL AS BRAKE SWITCH.
Steering, Jan 7, 2020
THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNED, IT HAPPENS WHEN IT IS MOVING OR STILL TOO.
Steering, Dec 28, 2019
CLICKING IN STEERING AND PLAY IN STEERING
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Dec 25, 2019
JUST BOUGHT THE 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, 12/21/2019, AFTER ABOUT 100 MILES OF DRIVING WE NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL IS OFF CENTER. WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN AND ON HIGHWAY SHIFTING LANES IT DIDN'T WANT TO GO AND IT WILL PULL HARD LEFT OR RIGHT ALMOST CAUSING TO RUN OFF THE ROAD. 12/25/2019, WHILE ON THE WAY HOME I ALMOST STRUCK ANOTHER CAR. MORE NOTICEABLE FROM 30 TO 55 WORSE OVER 55. DRIVING ON DIRT ROAD FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO FISH TAIL. STEERING IS STICKY YET A LOT OF PLAY. INTERMITTINGLY WHILE BRAKING IT SOUNDS LIKE SCRAPPING LIKE WHEN YOUR BRAKES ARE BAD. BRAKING SLOWLY OR ABRUPTLY MAKES NO CHANGE. WET ROADS IS WORSE WITH BRAKING.
Steering, Dec 24, 2019
**STEERING WHEEL SAFETY HAZARD** I HAVE A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SE COUPE, 50K MILES. I NOTICED THAT ALL THE SUDDEN IN THE PAST WEEK OR SO THERE IS A FEW INCH GAP AND A CLUNKING NOISE IN MY STEERING WHEEL. I BROUGHT IT TO MY DEALERSHIP (KING HUYNDAI AND DEERFIELD BEACH FLORIDA) AND THEY ADVISED THAT MY "STEERING WHEEL COUPLER" NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY AND THERE ARE NO RECALLS. I SPECIFICALLY ASKED HIM IF THERE ARE ANY POSSIBLE HAZARDOUS OR DANGEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS FAULTY STEERING WHEEL COUPLER. HIS RESPONSE WAS, "ABSOLUTELY, YOUR STEERING WHEEL CAN LOCK UP AND CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT"! HE ALSO ADVISED ME THAT IF I DO NOT HAVE THIS REPAIRED ASAP IT CAN RESULT IN MY ENTIRE ELECTRICAL STEERING SYSTEM TO ALSO BREAK & NEED REPLACEMENT. HE ALSO ADDED, "IF THAT HAPPENS I WILL END UP SPENDING A LOT MORE MONEY FOR THAT REPAIR ALSO"! I DID SOME RESEARCH ON MY OWN AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS BAD "COUPLER" IS MADE OF ONLY PLASTIC!! THE AVERAGE COST IS ONLY ABOUT $10 FOR A NEW ONE. THE DEALERSHIP WANTED TO CHARGE ME OVER $300.00 (OUT OF THE DOOR) FOR THIS SPECIFIC REPAIR. THIS GAP AND CLUNKING SOUND HAPPENS WHILE THE CAR IS TOTALLY STOPPED (BUT STILL RUNNING) AND ALSO DURING NORMAL AVERAGE DRIVING. THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE I HAVE AND I TRANSPORT MY THREE YOUNG CHILDREN IN THIS VEHICLE. I AM SO SCARED TO DRIVE IT NOW, I AM TRYING TO FIND OTHER TRANSPORTATION METHODS. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING I AM ABLE TO FEEL EVEN THE SMALLEST PEBBLE UNDER A TIRE AND THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES AND TRULY DOES NOT FEEL SAFE AT ALL AND IS VERY SCARY. MOST IMPORTANTLY, IF THIS IS SUCH A DANGEROUS MATTER REGARDING THE SAFETY OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE, WHY WOULD THEY USE ONLY PLASTIC FOR THIS COUPLER AND NOT SOMETHING MORE RIGID AND STABLE WITH NO WORRIES OF ANY WEAR?
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 19, 2019
ELECTRIC STEERING COUPLING DEFECTIVE. CAR HAS ONLY 33K MILES ON IT. UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MECHANIC REPORTS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF CAR. I NOTICED TOO MUCH PLAY AND CLUNKING IN STEERING WHILE STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. CAR BOUGHT FROM DEALERSHIP JULY 3, 2019.. I HAD CAR REPAIRED BEFORE FURTHER DAMAGE OCCURRED.
Steering, Dec 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A CLUNKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE MOVED LEFT AND RIGHT. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE CORRECT LANE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA TWO DOOR MODELS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTED REPAIR FOR THE STEERING FLEXIBLE COUPLING, PART NUMBER: 56315 2K000FF. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JENKINS HYUNDAI (1602 SOUTH WEST COLLEGE ROAD, OCALA, FL 34471, 352-620-2264). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE STEERING WHEEL FAILURE, BUT DID NOT DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Steering, Dec 10, 2019
STEERING COLUMN COUPLING IS BAD DUE TO WHICH I HEAR THE NOICE WHEN I TURN THE STEERING. ALSO I FEEL THAT STEERING IS HARD TO MANEUVER.
Steering, Dec 2, 2019
THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN COUPLER WORE OUT. THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THESE CARS. FOUND THIS OUT BY DOING A WEB SEARCH ON STEERING PROBLEMS. NO RECALLS ON THIS INHERIT PROBLEM
Steering, Dec 2, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A CLUNKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT SECURED AND WOULD MOVE APPROXIMATELY 3/4 OF AN INCH. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A BUSHING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HOLLER HYUNDAI (1150 N. ORLANDO AVE, WINTER PARK, FL) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Steering, Nov 29, 2019
COUPLING IN THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOSE. SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY 2013 SONATA. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THEN CHARGED ME $424 TO REPAIR THE SONATA 2 YEARS AGO. WHEN I TAKE THE ELECTRA IN I'M SURE I WILL BE CHARGED SAME REPAIR COST. THIS OCCURS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. CAN HEAR AND FEEL THE CLANG AS THE COUPLING RATTLES AROUND. LOOKED FOR SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE FOR 2013 HYUNDAI'S BUT DID NOT FIND ANY RECALLS. SHOULD BE A FREE FIX IF IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Nov 25, 2019
AIRBAG SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH PANEL WITHOUT REASON WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED IN A PARKED POSITION AND HAS STAYED ILLUMINATED SINCE FIRST APPEARING. THE LIGHT HAS BEEN PRESENT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW. RECENT DIAGNOSTICS REPORTED AIRBAG FAULT (CODE B134600 DRIVER AIRBAG RESISTANCE TOO HIGH STAGE #1). SERVICE FACILITY DEEMED FAULT IS SECONDARY TO DEFECTIVE CLOCK SPRING. THE DEFECT CAUSES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO FAIL AND AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS FAULT.
Steering, Nov 23, 2019
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION IT MAKES A DECENT CLICKING SOUND HAS BEEN HAPPENING NOW FOR OVER 8 MONTHS IT SEEMS TO ONLY DO IT WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS SLOWLY MOVING & AS WELL NOTICED A LOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING & MY STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT STAY ALIGNED WITH MY TIRES AFTER ALIGNMENT FROM HYUNDAI.
Steering, Nov 18, 2019
STEERING WHEEL IS CLICKING AND LOOSE. MAKES STEERING DIFFICULT. STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS.
Steering, Nov 15, 2019
WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL WHILE STATIONARY OR DRIVING, THERE IS A LOUD CRUNCHING SOUND COMING FROM THE WHEEL TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT. SOMEONE TOLD ME I WILL THEN LOSE POWER STEERING & THAT AROUND 21,000-29,000 MILES ON YOUR CAR THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS. A SMALL WHEEL NUT BEHIND THE WHEEL & DASH BOARD BREAKS UP. I AM AFRAID TO LOSE MY POWER STEERING. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO A NUMBER OF OWNERS.
Steering, Nov 12, 2019
AROUND 75K MILES THE STEERING WHEELS IS LOOSE WHEN TURNING LEFT TO RIGHT. WHEN AT A STANDSTILL WITH THE VEHICLE RUNNING, THERE IS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE WHEEL, CAUSING IT TO "CLUNK" LEFT AND RIGHT. THIS IS DUE TO A RUBBER POWER STEERING COUPLER (BUSHING). THIS IS ONLY A 5 DOLLAR PART HOWEVER MUCH EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED WHEN REPLACING THIS PART. I BELIEVE HYUNDAI RECALLED THE SONATA FOR THE SAME ISSUE BUT I AM WONDERING WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL FOR US ELANTRA OWNERS. THIS IS UNSAFE. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE WHEEL WANTS TO DRIFT SIDE TO SIDE. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO RECALL THIS PART BEFORE PEOPLE START GETTING HURT.
Steering, Nov 8, 2019
HYUNDAI HAS OFFICIALLY RECALLED THE 'RUBBER COUPLING IN THE MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY ON ALL 2007 - 2015 MODELS'. HYUNDAI WILL NOT HONER THE SAME RECALL ON THE ELANTRA GT MODEL. THEY UTILIZE THE EXACT SAME PARTS. INSTEAD, THEY ARE CHARGING CUSTOMERS HIGH FEES TO REPLACE THIS 5 DOLLAR PART. THIS COUPLER BINDS THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE MOTOR. WHEN IT FAILS YOU LOSE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. HOW CAN THIS NOT BE RECALLED FOR ALL AFFECTED MODELS?
Steering, Nov 3, 2019
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR MY STEERING WHEELS VIBRATES AND SHAKES IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND MAKES A LOUD NOISE AND ALSO CLICKS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AS WELL THE SHAKING IS ONLY WHEN IN MOTION AND THE CLICKS HAPPEN WHETHER SITTING STILL OR WHOLE DRIVING ON ANY CONDITIONS